Wedding Budget Breakdown: How to Allocate Your Money in 2025

Allocate 40-50% to venue and catering, 10-15% to photography, and keep 5-10% as a buffer. This breakdown—tested by thousands of couples—ensures you invest most heavily in what guests remember: the experience and the memories.

According to The Knot's 2024 Real Weddings Study, the average US wedding costs $33,000, while UK couples spend an average of £23,420 according to Hitched, and Australian weddings average A$35,000-$38,000 based on Easy Weddings data¹²³. But the total matters less than how you distribute it.

Recommended Budget Allocation

This percentage-based approach works regardless of your total budget:

The buffer is essential—Hitched found that 51% of UK couples exceeded their original budget², while Australian couples spend on average 23% more than planned³.

Understanding Each Category

Venue & Catering (40-50%)

Your venue is typically the largest single line item, averaging $12,200 in the US¹. This often includes the ceremony and reception space, tables, chairs, and sometimes basic decor.

Catering follows closely. The Knot reports US couples pay around $80 per plate¹, while UK caterers charge approximately £80 per head for a sit-down meal (£6,400 total for 80 guests)². Consider whether your venue is:

• All-inclusive: One price covers venue, catering, and often bar—simpler budgeting
• Dry hire: You bring everything, offering more control but requiring more coordination
• Partial: Some services included, others hired separately

All-inclusive venues often appear more expensive but can save money when you factor in the cost of hiring external caterers and equipment.

Photography & Videography (10-15%)

Photography is the one expense most couples say they'd increase if redoing their wedding. Your photos are what you'll revisit for decades—the flowers will wilt, the cake will be eaten, but well-captured moments last.

A quality wedding photographer in the US typically costs $3,000-$5,000 for 8-10 hours of coverage, including engagement session and edited digital files. UK photographers average £1,500-£3,000, while Australian photographers charge A$3,000-$5,000.

Videography adds another $1,500-$3,500. If budget is tight, prioritise photography—you can ask guests to capture video moments on their phones.

Attire & Beauty (5-10%)

Wedding attire goes beyond the dress or suit:

• Wedding dress: $1,500-$3,000 (US average)
• Alterations: $200-$600 (often forgotten!)
• Suit or formal wear: $300-$1,000
• Accessories: Veil, jewellery, shoes: $200-$500
• Hair and makeup: $150-$400 (plus trial)

The trial session is worth every penny—you'll know exactly what to expect on the day, and your stylist will have notes to recreate the look.

Flowers & Decor (8-10%)

Floral costs vary dramatically by season and bloom choice. Australian couples spend an average of A$2,639 on flowers³. Your florist quote typically includes:

• Bridal bouquet
• Bridesmaid bouquets
• Boutonnieres
• Ceremony arrangements
• Reception centrepieces
• Cake flowers

DIY-friendly elements like table runners, candles, and signage can reduce this category significantly. Consider in-season blooms to stretch your budget further.

Music & Entertainment (5-8%)

Your entertainment sets the tone for the entire reception:

• DJ: $1,000-$2,500 (US), £400-£800 (UK)
• Live band: $3,000-$8,000 (US), £1,500-£4,000 (UK)
• Ceremony musician: $200-$600

A skilled DJ who reads the room often creates a better dance floor than a technically impressive band that doesn't connect with your guests. Ask for references and—if possible—see them perform live before booking.

Budget Templates by Total

Intimate Wedding: $15,000 / £10,000 / A$18,000

At this budget, consider Friday or Sunday weddings, off-peak months, and venues that allow outside catering.

Mid-Range Wedding: $33,000 / £23,000 / A$38,000

This budget allows for quality vendors across all categories without significant compromises.

Premium Wedding: $50,000+ / £35,000+ / A$60,000+

At this level, you can afford premium venues, top-tier vendors, and meaningful upgrades like live musicians for the ceremony, custom stationery, and luxury transport.

Regional Cost Considerations

United States

The average US wedding costs $33,000, but location dramatically affects this figure¹:

• Mid-Atlantic (NYC, Philadelphia): $46,000 average
• Pacific (California): $38,000 average
• Midwest: $29,000 average
• Southern states: $25,000-$30,000 average

Guest count is the biggest cost driver: weddings with 50 or fewer guests average $15,000, while 100+ guest weddings average $42,000¹. Consider that reducing your guest list by 20 people could save $5,000-$8,000.

United Kingdom

UK weddings average £23,420, up 12% from 2023²:

• London: £36,778 average
• South East: £27,000 average
• Scotland: £19,387 average
• Wales: £15,529 average

Unlike the US, UK prices include VAT (20%), so what's quoted is what you pay. However, 63% of UK couples rely on family financial contributions—factor this into your planning conversations early.

Australia

Australian couples spend an average of A$35,000-$38,000³:

• Sydney & Melbourne: A$42,000+ average
• Brisbane & Perth: A$32,000 average
• Regional areas: A$25,000-$30,000 average

Remember that seasons are reversed—Australian summer weddings (December-February) are peak season with premium pricing. An autumn wedding (March-May) offers beautiful weather at lower cost.

Prioritising Your Budget

Don't Skimp On

Photography: As mentioned, your photos are the lasting record of the day. Allocate appropriately.

Quality food and drink: Guests remember two things—the atmosphere and the food. Mediocre catering is the most common post-wedding regret.

What matters most to YOU: Whether that's an incredible band, stunning florals, or a dream venue—invest in what you'll remember fondly.

Can Adjust

• Elaborate decor: Beautiful venues need less decoration
• Paper invitations: Digital invites are increasingly accepted and eco-friendly
• Wedding favours: Many end up left behind or forgotten
• Luxury transport: Guests care about the celebration, not the ride there

Consider Skipping

• Day-of paper stationery: A wedding website with a QR code works beautifully
• Professional videography: Ask a talented friend, or use phone footage creatively
• Welcome bags for local guests: Thoughtful but rarely necessary
• Elaborate after-party: Your main reception is the event

For more ways to reduce costs, see our complete guide to saving money on your wedding.

Common Budget Mistakes

1. Forgetting hidden costs Alterations, tips, hair and makeup trials, the marriage licence, postage for invitations, and a day-of emergency kit add up. Budget an extra 10% beyond your spreadsheet totals.

2. No contingency fund Over half of couples exceed their budget. Plan for 5-10% contingency from the start, and you'll have breathing room when the unexpected happens.

3. Underestimating drinks Open bars, especially with premium spirits, can cost $30-$50 per guest. Consider a limited bar, beer and wine only, or a drink ticket system.

4. Skipping the spreadsheet Track every expense in real-time. Surprises accumulate quickly, and you'll only catch budget creep if you're monitoring weekly.

5. Booking without comparison quotes Get at least three quotes for major vendors. Prices vary significantly, and even preferred vendors will sometimes match competitive offers.

6. Ignoring payment schedules Most vendors require deposits (20-50%) with final payments due 2-4 weeks before the wedding. Ensure your cash flow can handle concentrated payments in your final months.

Next Steps

1. Set your total budget based on what you and any contributing family can realistically afford
2. Prioritise which 2-3 categories matter most to you as a couple
3. Allocate percentages using the framework above
4. Track everything in a spreadsheet or budgeting app
5. Build in your buffer and treat it as untouchable unless genuinely needed

For a detailed breakdown of what each vendor typically costs, explore our complete wedding costs guide.

Sources and References